22/04/2026 05:57 AST
Oman has launched a package of food security investment opportunities worth at least 93.8 million Omani rials ($243 million), spanning agriculture, fisheries, and related industries.
Represented by Invest Oman, the Ministry of Commerce, Industry, and Investment Promotion, in cooperation with the Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries and Water Resources, has announced the "qualitative" opportunities in the sector, with the aim of boosting self-sufficiency and strengthening supply chain-linked productive sectors, according to Oman News Agency, or ONA.
These goals are also being supported through international cooperation, including a newly signed 2026-2030 Country Programming Framework with the Food and Agriculture Organization of the UN, aimed at developing more resilient and sustainable agrifood systems across the sultanate.
The initiative focuses on climate-resilient agriculture, sustainable management of land and water resources, empowerment of rural and coastal communities, and strengthening institutional and policy frameworks to support the sector's long-term development.
"This comes as part of Oman's efforts to enhance food self-sufficiency, support resource sustainability, and increase the contribution of productive sectors to the national economy," ONA reported.
The agency added that the investment opportunities reflect the diversity of Oman's natural and productive resources and its ability to attract quality investments in food supply chains.
In the agricultural sector, the opportunities include five investment projects in Al-Najd Agricultural Zone, covering onion cultivation and processing worth around 4.8 million Omani rials, garlic cultivation worth around 2.3 million rials, and melon cultivation worth around 2.1 million rials.
The project aims to harness the area's agricultural potential, boost local production, and expand high-value farming activities, including leafy vegetable cultivation in greenhouses valued at around 1.6 million rials, as well as potato farming and processing projects worth approximately 5.5 million rials.
In the fisheries sector, the opportunities include five projects, most notably algae farming in Suwaiq worth around 2 million rials, Omani abalone farming in Sharbithat in Dhofar Governorate worth around 10 million rials, and giant shrimp farming in Ras Madrakah worth around 32 million rials.
They also include white-leg shrimp farming in Jaalan Bani Bu Ali, worth around 25 million rials, and tuna fattening using floating cages in Qurayyat, worth around 4.7 million rials.
The opportunities aim to enhance the production of high-value marine species and expand aquaculture in Oman.
"The list also includes supporting food industry projects, such as a sustainable fish feed manufacturing project in Samail Industrial City worth around 3.8 million rials, strengthening value chain integration and supporting industries linked to the fisheries sector," ONA stated.
Investment values range from medium-scale projects starting at around 1.6 million rials to major strategic initiatives exceeding 32 million rials, offering a variety of options for investors and enhancing opportunities for partnerships and long-term investments.
ONA said the opportunities build on Oman's competitive advantages, including fertile agricultural land, rich marine resources, and a strategic location, as well as advanced infrastructure and a supportive regulatory framework for investment in agriculture and fisheries.
Khalid bin Hamed Al-Kharusi, director general of Investment Promotion at the MoCIIP, said opportunities are developed in coordination with priority sectors to turn potential into investment-ready projects based on clear technical and economic foundations.
He emphasized that these opportunities reflect a shift toward attracting quality investments based on modern technologies and sustainable practices, supporting the development of related industries, and enhancing Oman's competitiveness as a regional hub in food security and aquaculture.
Arab News
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